Keeping the
child care environment clean and orderly is very important for health,
safety, and the emotional well-being of both children and providers. One
of the most important steps in reducing the number of germs, and therefore
the spread of disease, is the thorough cleaning of surfaces that could
possibly pose a risk to children or staff. Surfaces considered most likely
to be contaminated are those with which children are most likely to have
close contact. These include toys that children put in their mouths, crib
rails, food preparation areas, and surfaces likely to become very contaminated
with germs, such as diaper-changing areas.

Routine cleaning
with soap and water is the most useful method for removing germs from
surfaces in the child care setting. Good mechanical cleaning (scrubbing
with soap and water) physically reduces the numbers of germs from the
surface, just as handwashing reduces the numbers of germs from the hands.
Removing germs in the child care setting is especially important for soiled
surfaces which cannot be treated with chemical disinfectants, such as
some upholstery fabrics.

However,
some items and surfaces should receive an additional step, disinfection,
to kill germs after cleaning with soap and and rinsing with clear water.
Items that can be washed in a dishwasher or hot cycle of a washing machine
do not have to be disinfected because these machines use water that is
hot enough for a long enough period of time to kill most germs. The disinfection
process uses chemicals that are stronger than soap and water. Disinfection
also usually requires soaking or drenching the item for several minutes
to give the chemical time to kill the remaining germs. Commercial products
that meet the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPAs) standards
for hospital grade germicides (solutions that kill germs)
may be used for this purpose. One of the most commonly used chemicals
for disinfection in child care settings is a homemade solution of household
bleach and water. Bleach is cheap and easy to get. The solution of bleach
and water is easy to mix, is nontoxic, is safe if handled properly, and
kills most infectious agents. (Be aware that some infectious agents are
not killed by bleach. For example, cryptosporidia is only killed by ammonia
or hydrogen peroxide.)

Add the bleach
to the water.A solution of bleach and water loses its strength very quickly
and easily. It is weakened by organic material, evaporation, heat, and
sunlight. Therefore, bleach solution should be mixed fresh each day to
make sure it is effective. Any leftover solution should be discarded at
the end of the day. NEVER mix bleach with anything but fresh tap water!
Other chemicals may react with bleach and create and release a toxic chlorine
gas.

Keep the
bleach solution you mix each day in a cool place out of direct sunlight
and out of the reach of children. (Although a solution of bleach and water
mixed as shown in the accompanying box should not be harmful if accidentally
swallowed, you should keep all chemicals away from children.)

If you use
a commercial (brand-name) disinfectant, read the label and always follow
the manufacturer's instructions exactly.

Note:
This
information is not intended to take the place of your state's or locality's
child care regulations and laws. In every case, the laws and regulations
of the city, county, and state in which the child care facility is located
must be carefully followed even if they differ from these recommendations.